Idler roller assembly

Abstract

An idler roller assembly having a roller tube which has a constant diameter throughout its length and does not have machined ends or ends formed with integrally formed flanges. An end cap is attached to each end of the roller tube which has a hollow internal bore and an outer seal insert retained within the hollow internal bore of the end cap and having an internal recess and adapted for rotation with the roller tube and end cap. A stationary inner seal is located in the recess and having a flexible lip. Also included is a bearing retained within the internal bore of the end cap as well as a stationary shaft extending through a hollow interior of the roller tube wherein the inner seal is fixed to the stationary shaft. There is also provided an inner fastening member retaining the bearing in position within the end cap.

1 . An idler roller assembly having (i) a roller tube which has a constant diameter throughout its length and which does not have machined ends or ends formed with integrally formed flanges; (ii) an end cap attached to each end of the roller tube having a hollow internal bore; (iii) an outer seal insert retained within the hollow internal bore of the end cap and having an internal recess and adapted for rotation with the roller tube and end cap; (iv) a stationary inner seal located in the recess and having a flexible lip; (v) a bearing retained within the internal bore of the end cap; (vi) a stationary shaft extending through a hollow interior of the roller tube wherein said inner seal is fixed to said stationary shaft; and (vii) an inner fastening member retaining the bearing in position within the end cap. 
     
     
         2 . An idler roller assembly as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the end cap has an inner end recessed portion whereby an adjacent end of the roller tube is attached by interference fit or press fit. 
     
     
         3 . An idler roller assembly as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the outer seal inserted is located into a desired position by an internal shoulder or recess of the end cap. 
     
     
         4 . An idler roller assembly as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the flexible lip of the inner seal is spaced from a relatively non-flexible part of the inner seal by a V shaped internal cavity. 
     
     
         5 . An idler roller assembly as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the bearing is located in desired position by an internal recess or shoulder located in the end cap. 
     
     
         6 . An idler roller assembly as claimed in  claim 1  wherein there is provided an end plate or shield located outwardly of the outer seal insert and stationary inner seal to protect the outer seal insert and stationary inner seal from contamination. 
     
     
         7 . An idler roller assembly as claimed in  claim 6  wherein there is provided an external circlip retained in desired position by a first locating groove located adjacent an adjoining end of the internal shaft whereby said external circlip retains the end plate or shield in desired position. 
     
     
         8 . An idler roller assembly as claimed in  claim 7  wherein the inner fastening member is an internal circlip which is retained in desired position by a second locating groove of the internal shaft and positioned inwardly of the first locating groove.